The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1887-11-22
WASHINGTON.
A Batch OF News From the Ma
liens Capita.
LIEUTENANT sHERlDAWs REPORT.

WAsuSGTov, November 15-Lieutenaut
General Sheridan has presented his annual re-
port to the secretary OF war. At tho date Of
the last consolidated returns the army consis-
ted of2.Z0J officers and 2l.23G men, including
Indian scouts The lieutenant general briefly
sums up the condition of the various divisions
Of the army, and Of the division Of the Mis-
souri, SAYS while it has been free from Indian
| hostilities Of any magnitude, many operations
Of a minor nature have been rendered neces-
sary. Troops have been continually occupied
in patrolling the Oklahoma country, and have
been successful in keeping intruders out of
that region. The gradual spread Of
railroads throughout the territory can,
however, ultimately have but one
effect, and General Sheridan is now of the
opinion that congress may well consider the
ACCESSIBILITY of opening up portions, at least,
Of this country to settlement. General Sheri-
dan expresses regret that the very rapid de-
crease in the number Of assertions from tho
army, during the previous two years, has not
been continued. The increase is, however,
very slight, being only about one-half OF one
per cent more than last year. The recruiting
service, ii is said, has been properly conducted
during the year and an increased number OF
men of good standing has been obtained. Tho
discipline of the army is good, and almost all
the officers and men seem to be animated with
the spirit of obedience to the law.
The Improvement made by the army in rifle
practice is highly commended. General Sher-
idan reneWs his previous recommendations
touching upon increase Of tho army by 5000
men and perfecting the organization Of the in
fautry army by the addition of two majors and
two companies to each regiment. Relative to
q revision of tactics, il is said:
The great advance in the material Of war has also
0CcasiOuCd changes in the manner of handling men
IN action and our tactics are, therefore, no longer
well adapted to the present endilons. For these
reasons il is my intention to assemble at an carly
day board of officers TO consider this subject
Attention is called to the needs Of the army
in the matter of improved small arms, and
General Sheridan urges the adoption of meas
ures to secure at an carly day the best form of
magazine rifle for army use.
General Sheridan concludes the report as
follows:
am strongly in favor Of TIE general government
extending all possible aid to the national guard OF
the different states, they constitute the body Of
important pnrt OF our military force. They should
be armed with the best weapons amply provided
with complete camp and garrison equipage and
instructed in the various drills and exercises accord
ing to the tactics and systems followed in the regl-
Lar army. According to my observation
and experience, most of the ST, t. troops
now march well and handle the gun
well, but they are deficient IN discipline and in all
duties that teach the soldier to take care of HIM
self while in camp or upon the march. This defect
can best be overcome by o. Ia fishing some system
of cncampment under the control and direction and
at the entire expense Of the general government in
the development OF such measure the entire army
as well rs myself personally will be glad TO render
mend that favorable consideration OF the subject
may be COmnoAleQ 20 COugrG 5. -